Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
